Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has disclosed that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration plans to engage with influential and notable personalities in Northern Nigeria to address some pressing concerns affecting the region.
The region which is troubled by rampant insecurity, widespread poverty, and a staggering number of children not in school has witnessed large scale protests in the past few days by youths and teenagers against what they termed economic hardship.
In a recent interview with RFI granted in Hausa by Shettima as reported by Saharareporters, the vice president said, “We will reach out to our compatriots from the North, like Aliko Dangote, who is recognised as the richest Black man in the world.
“We will also call on Abdul Samad Rabiu, Alhaji Dahiru Mangal, Alhaji Muhammed Indimi, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, A. Y. M. Shafa, A. A. Rano, Ramaniyah, Isa Gerawa, and all our people from the North.
“We will seek support from all regions, alongside our political leaders who have genuine concerns about the North. This includes AbdulAzeez Yari Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, who are PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) members but still share a strong commitment to the North.
“Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Senator Aliero, and any Northerner with deep concerns about the region will be invited to sit down with us. We will not simply gather to drink tea or eat meat and then part ways.”
“If you are someone who is blessed, what support would you render?” he asked.
He said the high-level meeting with stakeholders in the region will include governors and other politicians, businessmen and women, as well as traditional rulers.